Goat Facts

The goat was first domesticated in 10,000 BC and was the first animal to be used for its milk. There are over 450 million goats in the world and 210 different species. The largest population of goats is 170 million in China. For more facts and information on the goat, keep reading below.

Goats were first domesticated by man in 10,000 B. C., and were the first animals to be used for milk by humans.

Goats were brought to America by Columbus in 1493. A large group of goats is called a herd.

There are 210 different breeds of goats and over 450 million around the world. China has the most goats with over 170 million.

The female goat is called a “doe” or a “nanny.” The male goat is called a “buck” or a “billy.” A baby goat is called a “kid.” The act of giving birth for a goat is called “kidding.” The doe can have 1 to 6 goats per litter. Does can produce 3 litters of kids every 2 years. A healthy kid can stand within minutes after birth and are able to move with the herd almost immediately.

Goats do not have teeth in their upper front jaw, but goats have 24 molars. Goats eat browse, grass, and clover. They do not eat tin cans, clothing, or garbage.

Goats live to be 8 to 12 years old, but in some cases they can live to be 15 years old. They are also very agile and some can jump over 5 feet.

Goats don’t like to get wet and will seek shelter when it’s raining.

Depending on the breed, adult female goats can weigh between 22 to 300 pounds and adult males between 27 to 350 pounds. Depending on the breed, goats can range from 17 to 42 inches tall from the shoulder.

Goat meat is lower in fat and cholesterol compared to beef, pork, mutton, and poultry. Goats are also the cleanest animals and are much more selective about what they eat compared to cows, sheep, pigs and even dogs. Goats milk is easily digestible and less allergenic than cow’s milk. Goat milk is higher in calcium, vitamin A and niacin than cows’ milk.

Coffee was first discovered by goat herders when they noticed the animals having an unusual amount of energy after eating coffee beans.